DARREN FLYNN FROM LLYSFAEN JAILED FOR CHILD PHOTOS AND SEXUAL CONDUCT IN NORTH WALES

In April 2019, Darren Flynn, a 39-year-old businessman from Llysfaen, found himself at the center of a serious legal case involving allegations of inappropriate conduct and the possession of indecent images of a minor. Flynn had engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with a girl aged 16, fully aware of her age at the time of their encounters. Despite the legality of their sexual activity, the case took a darker turn when Flynn was found to have taken explicit photographs of the girl, which led to his subsequent conviction and imprisonment.

According to court proceedings, Flynn initially ignored the girl’s attempts to contact him but eventually agreed to meet her in person. During their meetings, Flynn recounted to police that the girl, who was intoxicated at the time, had performed a sexual act on him. On a subsequent occasion, she requested to try on some of his ex-girlfriend’s underwear, which added to the complexity of the case. Flynn claimed that the girl had asked him to take photographs, and he admitted to taking two images. He also stated that he later deleted these photographs, attempting to destroy evidence of the images.

However, the court was informed that the photographs were indeed taken and that their existence was a serious concern. Judge Rhys Rowlands, presiding at Mold Crown Court, emphasized that while having sex with a 16-year-old was morally reprehensible, it was not illegal under the law. Nonetheless, the act of taking photographs of a minor of that age was unequivocally illegal and a matter of public policy designed to protect young girls from exploitation and harm. The judge pointed out that such images, even if few in number, posed a significant risk of falling into the wrong hands and potentially causing long-term damage to the girl involved.

Judge Rowlands highlighted that the images were disturbing and serious offenses, made more grave by the age difference—Flynn was 38 at the time, and the girl was only 16. The pre-sentence report on Flynn was described as unhelpful, and the judge expressed disappointment with his attitude, which he said “left a lot to be desired.” Despite Flynn’s guilty plea and his employment running a profitable business, the court noted that his character appeared to have a darker side. Flynn had not been involved in any trouble since the incidents in August 2017, but the court was told that he was willing to cooperate with probation services to address his behavior. However, a probation officer’s interview suggested otherwise, indicating that Flynn was not motivated to engage with intervention programs and lacked a full understanding of the seriousness of his actions.

In terms of sentencing, the judge explained that taking category C images—considered the least serious category—of a child carries an 18-month starting point, with the potential for a sentence of up to three years. Given Flynn’s apparent lack of insight and remorse, the judge determined that the degree of contrition was minimal. As a result, the court could not suspend the prison sentence, and Flynn was sentenced to eight months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender with the police for ten years.

In a related case from March 2019, Flynn, then 40 years old, had admitted to taking indecent photographs of his 16-year-old partner. The girl, who was in a relationship with Flynn, encouraged him to take the images, which he then sent via phone. Once Flynn realized her young age, he ended the relationship. Prosecutor James Neary told Llandudno magistrates’ court that the images were found on Flynn’s phone, and although the girl did not want to file a complaint, the court was made aware of the situation. Flynn pleaded guilty to two charges of taking indecent photographs of a child. His defense, represented by Nia Dawson, argued that the girl was a willing participant and had asked him to take the photographs. She also noted that the images had not been shared with anyone else.

Flynn was granted bail and scheduled to appear at Caernarfon Crown Court for sentencing on April 12, where the court would determine the appropriate punishment for his actions.